The Academy of Dominion loomed high above the city, its black spires cutting into the stormy sky. For centuries, it had stood as a monument to power, training the children of nobles, generals, and merchants into weapons sharper than steel. For most, it was an untouchable dream. For Kael Ardyn, it was a stepping stone.
He stood at the gates, blending into the crowd of youths gathering for the entrance trials. Their robes were new, their faces clean, their eyes full of excitement and arrogance. Kael wore a plain black coat, patched and worn at the sleeves. His hair was cut unevenly, his frame lean but steady.
To them, he looked like a beggar who had stumbled into the wrong place. None of them knew the dagger hidden beneath his coat. None of them knew the System window flickering faintly before his eyes.
\[Quest: Infiltrate the Academy of Dominion]
Condition: Enter the Academy by any means necessary.
Reward: System Advancement.
Kael’s expression was calm as ever. He glanced at the guards in silver armor, at the glowing runestones carved into the gates, and at the anxious crowd pressing forward.
A noble boy scoffed beside him. “Look at this trash. They’re letting rats dream of entering the Academy now?”
Laughter followed. The others around Kael sneered, whispering among themselves. He did not respond. Words were wind. Power was stone.
The gates groaned as they opened. A voice, amplified by magic, echoed across the courtyard.
“All applicants, enter. Trials begin immediately.”
The crowd surged forward. Kael moved with them, silent as a shadow.
Inside, the Academy’s outer grounds stretched wide—training fields, dueling rings, libraries, and dormitories. Yet what drew every eye was the massive crystal pillar at the center. It pulsed with light, ancient and alive, measuring the talent of each who touched it.
One by one, the youths placed their hands upon the crystal. Colors flared within—red for average, blue for gifted, purple for genius. The higher the grade, the louder the cheers.
Kael watched. A noble girl placed her hand upon the crystal. Purple light blazed forth. The crowd erupted in awe. She smiled, basking in their praise.
When Kael’s turn came, whispers spread. “Is that beggar allowed here?” “He’ll shatter the crystal with filth.” “Trash.”
Kael ignored them. His palm rested on the cold surface. For a moment, nothing happened. Then a faint flicker of blue light appeared. Weak, unsteady, almost fading.
Laughter exploded. “Blue? Barely above trash.” “Send him back to the gutter.”
The examiner, robed in black, gave Kael a long, cold look. “Average. You may enter, though your future here is uncertain.”
Kael lowered his hand, his face unreadable. Inside, the System stirred.
\[Hidden Quest Complete: Conceal True Potential]
Reward: System Advancement.
Unlocked: Shadow Talent Evaluation – Your abilities are hidden from external appraisal.
A new panel appeared.
\[Status Panel]
Name: Kael Ardyn
Strength: 21
Agility: 24
Intelligence: 26
Skills: Dagger Mastery (Lv. 2), Stealth (Lv. 3)
Traits: Shadow Talent (Hidden)
Kael’s lips curved slightly. The crystal had seen what he allowed it to see. Nothing more.
The nobles laughed, the crowd mocked, the examiner dismissed him. All according to plan.
As Kael walked away from the crystal, he glanced at the towering spires of the Academy. His voice was low, carried only by the rain.
“You can laugh now. But soon, you’ll kneel.”
The storm overhead rumbled as if in answer.
Kael Ardyn had entered the Academy. The predator had walked into the cage. And soon, he would own it.
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